Business of Drawing Business

Companies get creative in drawing buyers, media to booths

LAS VEGAS -- The SHOT Show is all about the business of the industry. Walking by booth after booth, there are various methods to attract the attention of buyers and media.
R. Lee Ermey, better known as Gunny from “Full Metal Jacket” was lending his draw at the SOG Specialty Knives booth, signing autographs and getting photos taken.

“A lot of pictures,” he said while conversing with visitors, posing for a shot and sending each off with a military coin.

While the line forming to meet the former marine turned actor stretched down one aisle and was estimated at 45 minutes long, SOG marketing manager Chris Cashbaugh was showing hopeful clients SOG’s new line of knives.

Cashbaugh said this show is important for SOG’s business.

“Not so much the big retail stores, but the mom and pop shops,” he said. “Keep our contacts up. Meet with people, show them what new things we have for 2014.”

One of SOG’s new products is a hunting knife with three LED lights on both sides of the blade. Powered by a single triple a battery, the combo product should be found useful in the field to many.

SOG’s new knife has LED lights on both sides of the blade so hunters can see what they are cutting.
(Mike Suchan photo)

“Since most hunts are in the early morning or late in the afternoon and you’re dealing with it in the dark, this knive lets you see what you are cutting,” he said. “No shadows. You don’t have to deal with your friend holding a flashlight.”

Across the aisle was The Great American Tool Company booth.. Gatco vice president of sales Bob Anthon could catch a glimpse of Gunny through the growing line to the SOG booth.

Cerakote Firearms Coatings ads are sure to be seen by the majority of SHOT visitors at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. (Mike Suchan photo)